A STUDENT stunner who has won through to Miss England’s beauty pageant says she eventually wants to end up on the other side of the camera.

Accrington beauty Amber Hazelton beat 20 contestants in her Miss Fresh Photographic heat to qualify for the semi-finals of the glamorous gala at Champney Springs in June.

The 17-year-old photography student snaps up a £500 prize package including designer swimwear – after deciding to take up modelling while watching Miss World with her mum Pamela.

Amber, of Hollins Lane, explained: "We are into watching Miss World and America’s Next Top Model and programmes like that. I first applied when I was 15 and then when I turned 17 I got a call from Miss England and I thought I might as well go for it. When I found out I had won I was screaming my head off."

Confident Amber, who has modelled jodhpurs and dressed up as a bear mascot at netball matches, isn’t fazed by the prospect of a bikini contest, but is keen to get behind the camera lens when she is older.

"I do photography at college and I really want to go London College of Fashion to do fashion photography," she said. "First I’m going to go to Leeds College of Art and do a foundation course in fine art."

Amber says her family, including dad Carl, stepdad Paul, brothers Max and Justin and sister Amy, and boyfriend Daniel are all backing her to win the competition.

She said: "They’re all excited about it. But at first I didn’t want to tell anyone about it as I didn’t want anyone thinking I’m big headed or anything."

The St Mary’s College student enjoys modelling and has been part of the national netball championship team at U13, U14 and U16 levels, but is realistic that her average height will limit her opportunities in both fields.

She said: "I’m 5ft 7 and a half. I did try and do modelling by sending pictures to agencies but people said you’re too small, although for Miss England you don’t have to be tall. I take the netball really seriously but again I’m not really tall enough, but I’ll try my hardest.

"I’m really athletic and play football with the boys. I’m not a feminist but I try to prove the girls are good at sport. I used to be a tomboy but not anymore."